You can be the next Philippine Olympian Michael Christian Martinez

As the first ever South East Asian figure skater to enter the 2013 World Junior Championship and giving an impressive performance at the recently held Soichi Winter Olympics, there’s no stopping Michael Christian Martinez in reaping honors for the Philippines as he recently bagged the much coveted gold medal from the Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia.

Inspired by skaters spinning and jumping at the SM Skating Rink in SM Southmall, Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight and began training in 2010 in the United States.  Since then, he has been transformed into a world-class athlete and has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions.

Martinez’s success is not an overnight thing but the simple decision of his mother and himself to get into the sports changed his life.  His achievement is indeed phenomenal but the good news is if you’re open-minded and committed to learn the skill, you too can be like him!



SM Skating Rink operated by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. makes this possible as it provides the facilities and programs for the young people who want to develop and hone their skating talents, and who aspire to be the next Philippine Olympian like Michael Christian Martinez.  SM Skating Rink offers various skating lessons in its premier branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall and SM Megamall.

For only P 300 on weekdays and P 390 during weekends and holidays, you can learn different skating moves by availing open or unlimited skating service offered in both SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.  You can learn and havefun in the SM Skating Rink with your friends by enrolling to one of the Freestyle skating courses available in the three SM branches that come in both four and six sessions

You can also skate your way to being a professional skater by enrolling to Speed Skating, the newest course offering in SM Mall of Asia. Top local coaches who were also trained by international skating coaches like Kelvin Nicolle, an international referee from New Zealand who teaches short track speed skating in Singapore,will provide the lesson and training to the enrolees.

SM Skating Rink which once served as a training ground for Michael Christian Martinez still provides a house for discovering new young talents. Be part of this and fulfil your dreams in the country’s world-class and only skating rink. For more information, visit www.smiceskating.com or call 556-0471.

Filipino Figure Skater Michael Christian Martinez Wins Gold in Slovenia

Homegrown Olympian Bags Gold in Slovenia Tourney

Michael Christian Martinez (center) (Photo from Martinez’s Facebook Page)

Homegrown Olympian Michael Christian Martinez bagged the gold in the recently held Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia. The 18-year old Martinez finished the free skate finals in the Senior Men’s category with a score of 195.13 points, besting Japan, United Kingdom, Korea, Austria and Norway.

“I thank God for this blessing, another gold medal in the senior event. I’m very happy I made it to first place,” Martinez said on his Facebook page.
With the Triglav Trophy, Martinez now has three gold medals in the senior level which includes the recent Skate Helena in Serbia and the Crystal Skate in 2012 in Romania.

Filipino American Samantha Cabiles finished 6th in the Junior Ladies’ category out of 21 skaters with a score of 100.04 points.
The Philippine Skating Union (PhSU), which is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU) named  Martinez and Cabiles as the country’s representatives to the Triglav Trophy.

Every year since 1992, the Triglav Trophy gathers over 100 of the best young figure skaters from all over the world. The competition is hosted in Jesenice ice hall Podmežakla and has its roots in 1992.
Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight, inspired by skaters spinning and jumping while shopping with his mother at SM Southmall. He began training in 2010 in the United States and since then his lifelong dream has been to win an Olympic medal. Martinez has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions.

Samantha Cabiles  (Photo from Cabiles' Facebook Page)

Cabiles, who was born in Hawaii and is now based in Michigan started skating since she was 11. Of Filipino decent, Cabiles also competes in the Philippine Nationals and recently ranked second in the 2013 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships held at SM Mall of Asia every year. Cabiles also placed 10th in the Junior category of the recent Dragon Trophy competition in Ljubjana, Slovenia in February 2014. She trains in Toronto, Canada.  Due to her high and powerful jumps, she earned the moniker, “The Skating Gazelle”.

SM has been the primary supporter of the PhSU since the latter was established in 2005. SM also provides a venue for the events of PhSU for the promotion of ice skating in the Philippines. PhSU received accreditation from the ISU in 2006, coinciding with the opening of the SM Mall of Asia skating rink that year.  In turn, PhSU, as the sole governing body for Figure and Speed Skating provides SM and its ice skating rinks with marketing tools such as local and international skating events and its network of skating athletes.

Through the years, SM and the PhSU have conducted several figure skating competitions that have given birth to international champions such as Martinez.
The PhSU is the governing body in the country for figure skating and speed skating. It is a member of the ISU which is the exclusive international sports federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The ISU administers speed and figure skating throughout the world. It is composed of a number of national organizations called ISU members who administer ISU sports at the national level.

The excellence demonstrated by skaters especially during competitions is a mark of quality that the SM Skating Rink can provide with its world-class venue and facilities. Property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. operates skating rinks through SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., The Lifestyle Created For Filipinos

SM is one  place that is synonymous with entertainment, fun and everything that you are looking for in a snap of your fngers, from the movie houses, IMAX, to skating rinks, playgrounds, and major concerts. It is home to every filipino with pure relaxation in mind. I, for one is a loyal SM moviegoer for a decade now. SM and their cinemas would never be complete without my favorite buttered popcorn in their snack time corner, and a hotdog sandwich with bottled mineral water to compliment with. I just love their popcorns which now comes in assorted flavors. SM will always be the entertainment place for me,  a lifestyle created for mall lovers targeting children and adults alike.

Starting with just SM Cinema under West Avenue Theatres Corporation, also known as “WATC,” it has
grown to 267 cinemas in 47 SM Supermalls nationwide. Due to the success of WATC, the company broadens its services from SM Cinema as its sole marque to carrying 12 major brands in a span of five years.

With the success of the company under the leadership of Hans Sy Sr., founder of SM, and management of Mr. Edgar C. Tejerero, President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WATC could not hold true to its name as a sole corporation for cinemas anymore. Thus the rebirth of the corporation from WATC to SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated: A 360 degree access to the best in lifestyle and entertainment services that the world can offer. It is an integrated world of services that redefines ‘convenience’ not as a privilege but an amenity.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is now the educational, sports, and recreational arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology. SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

“At SMLifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, our mission is to make our entertainment and food brands the first choice among all Filipinos because of the great experience and value for money that we provide through our empowered managers and motivated co-workers. Our world-class recreational facilities, products and services aim to provide Filipinos more venues to create wonderful memories with their families, friends and loved ones,” says Edgar C. Tejerero, President.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. is dedicated to its 12 major brands that caters to all Filipinos and would encourage a lifestyle of entertainment, leisure, and enjoyment.

SM Cinema – The pioneer brand of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc, SM Cinema began in 1986 as SM’s household brand for movie watching. Now with almost 267 fully digitized theatres in 47 branches nationwide, and three big brands under its name, SM Cinema is the country’s leader in movie entertainment.

IMAX – Under the SM Cinema Chain, the IMAX is an international franchise famous for its state-of-the-art projection system; surround sound system, and .crystal-clear lifelike images that appear so real, it is like you were actually there.

Director’s Club Cinema - Dubbed as the intimate and deluxe choice for movie watching,Director’s Club Cinema offers the best in comfort and style as it offers plush leather seats, butler service, and a menu created just for the theatre’s guests. With four branches around the metro, and expanding to other regions in the Philippines, the Director’s Club Cinema is open to all movie lovers who prefer the high-end cinema choice.

WM Cinemas - A recent acquire of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WM Cinemas operates in six branches in Luzon, equipped with fully digitized screens and projectors that render clarity to both image and sound. Under SM Cinema, WM Cinemas is now fully renovated with upgraded facilities operating under the largest cinema exhibitor in the Philippines, SM Cinema.

Snack Time – The sole food concession unit of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., Snack Time caters to SM Cinema, Mall of Asia Arena, SM Science Center, SM Bowling Center, SM Skating Rink, and WM Cinemas. Snack Time offers a wide variety of food, from snacks such as popcorn, burgers, sandwiches, corndogs, drinks and candies to healthy gourmet meals fit for formal parties, Snack Time is one of the biggest food operators in the entertainment and lifestyle business. Snack Time also caters to events, and is the merchandise arm of SMLEI.

SM Tickets - SM Tickets is the box office and customer care center of SMLEI. SM Tickets is the only Ticket Center available nationwideservicing house brands such as Mall of Asia Arena and SM Cinema, SM Tickets has branched out to other events venues, entertainment parks, holiday destinations, concerts, galleries, zoos, hotels, and even airlines.

ePlus Tap To Pay – As an introduction into cashless consumption, ePLUS Tap to Pay provides not only discounts and freebies to its members, but convenience to travelers, shoppers, movie lovers, and event goers. With one tap of a card, members can enjoy perks in various restaurants, shops, theatres, and concerts. ePLUS is the card of the century.

ePlus Digital –Originally created to service digital sites for SM Cinema and ePLUS, ePLUS Digital formed into a web service brand catering to social media, e-commerce, mobile marketing, web development and other related areas. ePLUS Digital will be expanding into other venues and markets online.

Mall of Asia Arena –Known as the architectural “eyecon,” the Mall of Asia Arena is the venue for international sports and entertainment. Patterned after the centers abroad, the Mall of Asia Arena is the only stadium in the Philippines that has a floor dedicated to the Corporate Suites. Concert House to Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, J.Lo, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and the like, as well as sports center to One FC and the NBA,  the Mall of Asia Arena is not only a local stadium for international acts but also a tourist destination.

SM Science Center – The SM Science Center, formerly known the Science Discovery Center, has just recently been acquired by SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated. Boasting of its planetarium with the Digistar 5 system (the world’s most advanced full dome digital theatre system), the SM Science Center provides an advance educational experience for children and adults alike. In the coming months, the SM Science Center will be launched with its new exhibits, galleries, and systems to better serve its guests. Branches of SM Science Center are Mall of Asia Science Center and SM Lanang Science Center.

SM Bowling Center - Recently positioned under SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., and with World Champion CJ Suarez managing the SM Bowling Center Division, it boasts of state-of-the-art and fully-automated bowling facilities, modern billiard areas, extreme games and arcade stations, and a snack bar that caters to each guests cravings. The SM Bowling Center is truly a one-stop-entertainment hub that offers the total fun and recreational experience for the Filipino family and barkada.

SM Skating Rink - Starting as a leisure rink built by the inspired Henry Sy Sr., insert position, whose interest was piqued by the grace and class of figure skating, the SM Skating Rink is the only ice skating rink in the entire country. Aside from being a venue for events and leisurely skating, the SM Skating Rink also provides lessons for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and other sports on ice. Proving right of Henry Sy Sr.’s vision of a tropical country excelling in a winter-based sport, the SM Skating Rink has been home to world class figure skaters, such as Michael Martinez, who internationally compete in prestigious competitions such as the World Junior and Senior Championships, and the latest Olympics in Sochi. This year, the SM Skating Rink will introduce more sports and activities to learn on the ice, and events that will cater to the existing and new winter-based sports.

With its enhancements and steadfast vision, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated will be the leader in innovation, technology, and creativity purposed to enhance a lifestyle created for Filipinos.